Businesses in the West Midlands, proving their commitment to responsible business in spite of the recession, have been rewarded for their efforts.

Six businesses have demonstrated the positive impact they are having on people and the planet after picking ‘Big Ticks’ in Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence.

A Birmingham manufacturer of Jamaican patties, a project to develop adults’ IT skills in the Black Country and a construction partnership to improve council houses and create jobs in Sandwell were among the winners.

The awards show, despite the recession, companies in the West Midlands are committed to responsible businesses practices and can demonstrate a positive impact on society and business.

Five further businesses received ‘re-accreditations’ to recognise continued good work following previous Big Tick wins.

The decision to award the Big Tick is made by a panel of experienced practitioners and as such is both hard won and highly thought of – only 38 per cent of new applicants were successful in 2009.

The prestigious awards were presented at an event attended by over 260 people at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre last week.

David Darlaston, regional director of Business in the Community, said: “It is heartening to know so many businesses in the West Midlands remain committed to their social, ethical and environmental business goals and I congratulate all of our Big Tick winners on having achieved this standard.

“Being a responsible business is a commitment to demonstrating leadership on one of the biggest social issues of our time, openly communicating your vision and values that others may follow, building trust among customers, clients and suppliers, and managing your company resources wisely, that others may be able to enjoy our world for many, many more years to come.

“Now more than ever, at a time of reduced income and spending power, businesses need to demonstrate that to be a leading company is to be a responsible one.

“The Big Tick winners in the West Midlands are certainly flying the flag for responsible business here and I hope will prove valuable inspiration for others following in their footsteps.

Two Big Tick winners, Birmingham-based Cleone Foods and Sandwell Decent Homes Partnership have also been shortlisted for an Example of Excellence, the award given out to the overall winner of each category, which will be presented by The Prince of Wales, President of BITC, at a celebration in Central London on July 6.

Two leadership awards for outstanding individuals were also made: Peter Blakemore, managing director of Black-country based AF Blakemore Ltd, was named as the region’s new Prince’s Ambassador while Lisa Campbell, manager of Coventry Boys’ Club won the Marks & Spencer Sieff Award in recognition of her successful collaboration with local businesses.

Other awards recognised successful individual and team employee volunteering in the region while Birmingham-based housing association won the West Midlands Equality and Diversity Award, sponsored by Advantage West Midlands.

Sponsors of this year’s Awards for Excellence West Midlands Celebration were Jaguar Land Rover, Advantage West Midlands, University of Warwick, Morrison Facilities Services and Cadbury.